Robert Gibbs: Power List 2008

Robert Gibbs has been influencing the communications strategy of Barack Obama even before the senator emerged on the national scene. Helping run the campaign that got Obama elected to the Senate in 2004, Gibbs has been able to match Obama's strengths as an orator with a savvy communications plan, as well as realizing the public, hungry for change, would seize upon a message that promised it. Gibbs has run a low-emotion campaign, drawing ire from Democrats who wanted their candidate to show more fire when responding to McCain's attacks. Yet, it is hard to argue that Obama's - and perhaps Gibbs' - message of hope and change has struck a chord with voters around the country. In addition to working on a number of senatorial campaigns, Gibbs also worked as press secretary on John Kerry's presidential bid in 2004.